Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: May 18, 2025
Date Accepted: Sep 12, 2025
Acceptability of the RecoverEsupport digital health intervention among breast cancer surgical patients: A Qualitative Study.
ABSTRACT
Background:
Digital Health Interventions (DHIs) are increasingly accepted as useful tools in delivering effective, safe, and individualised healthcare. DHIs also have the potential to support adherence to evidence-based guidelines. Evidence suggests intervention use is optimised when DHIs are considered acceptable to end-users. RecoverEsupport is a DHI designed to support patient adherence to surgical recovery guidelines, to enhance their recovery following breast cancer surgery.
Objective:
The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the surgical experiences and perceived acceptability of the RecoverEsupport DHI among former breast cancer surgical patients.
Methods:
57 former surgical patients were identified from medical records and invited to participate. 15 consented and were given access to the RecoverEsupport DHI for approximately 2 weeks, and 11 participated in a semi-structured interview exploring their experiences, perspectives, reactions, and feedback regarding the RecoverEsupport DHI. Interviews were transcribed and double-coded prior to analysis using an inductive thematic approach.
Results:
Participants reported varied experiences of breast cancer surgery and expressed a consistent need for support throughout their treatment, which the RecoverEsupport intervention was seen to help provide. Key themes emerged around anxiety, uncertainty, and gaps in the care pathways. Several ways in which the RecoverEsupport intervention could address these gaps were identified. A central finding was the potential of the intervention to empower women to take an active role in their recovery by providing reassurance and supporting them to manage their expectations. The potential for the intervention to empower women was particularly evident in relation to completion of postoperative physiotherapy exercises. Most participants indicated that they would recommend the intervention to others undergoing surgery.
Conclusions:
RecoverEsupport was found to be an acceptable DHI in supporting women to recover from breast cancer surgery. Results highlighted the benefits of a blended approach combining the RecoverEsupport intervention with standard care. Clinical Trial: The trial for the main RCT for RecoverEsupport was prospectively registered with Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12624000417583.
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